Gratitude has been a buzzword lately. Because Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I am seeing more and more “grateful hearts” and “gratitude lists” than before. And I love it. I love hearing about what people are grateful for– big and small. It brings a smile to my face that we can celebrate those things that bring us joy.
But why does gratitude matter? Beyond a cheerful blog post or hash-tagged Instagram photo, what is the point of being grateful and sharing about it?
I happen to think that true gratitude is not an end in itself. It is not passive or inactive. It is not just a posture in which one sits and considers one’s life quite swell. That would be complacency.
Instead, gratitude can move and shake us. It puts us on our feet and sends us out. We become less selfish and more sensitive to the needs of those around us. When we are truly grateful, we change, and our actions can follow suit!
What does gratitude look like? Here are a few possibilities:
1) Gratitude gives. When we experience gratitude, we are overwhelmed by what we’ve received, and desire to share that joy. Gratitude teaches us to be generous, because once we know how freely we’ve been given, we become people who freely give.
2) Gratitude demands less. There is nothing wrong with having a wish list, but gratitude keeps us from feeling the constant need to buy something new. It helps us to see that we are worth far more than our possessions, and that having more possessions will not improve our worth. Gratitude helps us see our stuff for what it is– just stuff.
3) Gratitude empathizes. Whenever we find ourselves lacking in mercy, we’re often also lacking in gratitude. When we choose to be grateful, we can empathize with those in trouble or in need. We lose the self-righteousness that often comes with a merit-based worldview, and instead reach out to comfort and care for those less fortunate.
4) Gratitude celebrates. Have you ever compared yourself to someone else and felt envy? Gratitude not only overcomes envy, but it also helps us to become celebrators of others’ victories. This can be a difficult thing to do when we are concerned with how inadequate we are, or how imperfect our circumstances might be. But when we are grateful, we are able to participate in the joys and successes that are not our own.
In what ways have you seen gratitude do a work in you? What are you most grateful for right now? I would love to know!
{Interested in turning your gratitude into generosity? Read about how to send a Christmas gift to a child overseas, or why you’re already a philanthropist!}
Thank you so much!! And exactly– It’s almost like #gratitude is the new #blessed (which I don’t always love, either). There’s something that real gratitude does other than brag about whatever starbucks drink someone just bought 😉 And I’m so glad to know that gratitude has changed you, as it has me… you are such a wise soul and I adore your insight!
Wow, that sounds like quite the experience. I can’t imagine what that would have been like, for you or for them. That really does help us experience gratitude!
Thank you so much Danette. Glad it resonated with you!
This is such a great post – you’re right in that gratitude has definitely become a buzzword and it hurts me to see people saying “gratitude, always” in one breath and then non-stop complaining about their lives in the next. I think people need to realise that gratitude isn’t about appearing spiritual so you can impress your friends, it’s about *actually* being grateful! And gratitude is so, so powerful!
When I started embracing gratitude, it was like my whole world changed quite literally – and it did (well, at least in my perception of the world around me!). There are so many beautiful things to be grateful for if we only look 🙂 xx
The one time that I felt so much gratitude for everything that I have or lack of in my life was when I hiked Mount Ijen in Indonesia. To see the miners carrying 90kg sulphur rocks up the extremely steep steps with no mask to protect their lungs was extremely humbling. Every time I start to have mini mental breakdown because of first world problems, I always remind myself of that moment and I’ll feel grateful for everything I have again.
Reflection of Sanity
Powerful post. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Elle! And you’re so right, this shouldn’t just be something for the holiday season!
Those are all great things to be grateful for. I remember being so grateful and relieved to walk into a warm building during those New England winters!
Thank you Sarah! I really appreciate that, so glad you enjoyed this, friend!
Thanks Ashley!! And yes I can see that, I love that people are taking such good care of you! What a blessing 🙂
Thank you Maggie!! 🙂
Thank you so much Anika!
So glad this resonated with you Brooke! That’s exactly how I feel.
absolutely. this is my fave time of year as a reminder that we need to do this year-round!
Thank you Lu!! I’m so glad this post resonated with you. And yes, sometimes life surprises us with new opportunities– and I love that 🙂
Aw so glad to hear that Anne! And I love reading about what you’re grateful for; I’m sure there’s lots going on in your week, but you have so much joy!
So glad this resonated with you, Chelsea! And yes, we have an espresso machine at home, so my husband actually made that 😉 We’ll have to have you over some time!
Thank you so much Elmira! And you’re right, gratitude can empower us!! And I’ve found that I’m less likely to buy things I don’t need when I’ve decided to be grateful.
Thanks Shannon!! 🙂 it really is hard to list everything!
Aw so glad to hear it Kiki!! And you’re not alone in that worrying– I do that too!
Thanks girl! And yes, family and the ocean… gifts that I absolutely love!
Thank you so much Shannon, I really appreciate that! I really want to see gratitude bear fruit in my own life, so I’m glad this resonated with you! 🙂
Amen sister! I’ve struggled with envy too; sometimes I’ll have an emotion and only realize later that I was just jealous! Praise God for cleansing and redeeming us!
Thank you so much Jaelan!! So glad this resonated with you, I definitely want to see gratitude bear fruit in my life in some way!
Thanks Jessa! And yes, we do need to work on it!
Thank you Sheryl! And I’m so glad to hear that this resonated with you… it’s amazing how gratitude can get us through difficult seasons.
So glad this resonated with you Jeannette! And you are much too kind! Thank you for always encouraging me here– it means so much to me!! And I love the perspective you share on your blog too; such great insight and depth of thought! I’m really glad to have met you too!! <3
Thanks Rebecca, I’m so glad this resonated with you. Your perseverance and joy of life are inspiring to me!
Thank you Rachel! And I can see why gratitude is important to you… I love that you choose to be grateful for what you’ve walked through! And I am grateful for The Lord as well! <3
I agree, gratitude should be more than an instagram moment. It is particularly cold today, so I’m grateful to have a warm apartment (: On a daily basis, I am grateful to have parents who support my decisions and love me unconditionally, friends who are always there for me, and the opportunity to pursue a legal education (:
– Deniz
http://www.dressedupdeniz.com
What a great post! You’re so right – gratitude is so much more than a #blessed. Especially around this time of year it’s more important to show your gratitude than receiving it. I love your inspirational posts! Always bring me back to reality.
– Sarah 🙂
http://www.thecrownbijoux.blogspot.com
This is cool; active gratitude.
I’m actually experiencing a lot of this right now- so many people are reaching out and willing to help me as I recover from this silly knee surgery, and it fills my heart. It also makes me want to give back, to do something for them, or for someone who needs it. (When I get off these crutches and pain meds, of course.) 🙂
Great post, girlfriend!
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
What a beautiful and insightful post! I am going to try practicing these ways to show gratitude 🙂
Maggie
http://www.PolishedClosets.com
Lovely photos, and great post, I really enjoyed reading.
Right now, I’m grateful to have everything I do, makes me realise how fortunate we are!
Anika May // UK Fashion & Style Blog
I am grateful for so much and often easily forget how much I really do have to be grateful for. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the I want more or to be jealous of others. I really need to slow down and reflect more often.
Brooke
http://www.pumpsandpushups.com
Oh, how I love this post of yours!
I’m grateful today that I get opportunities even when I thought there would be no chance any more.
Thank you for the great words and good thoughts, lady xx
Lu | http://www.balgarka.co.uk
Did you know that I often read your posts and nod while doing so because everything you say is so true and written so well? I love this post. Each week I participate in a link up called Grateful Heart Monday and I start my week by sharing what I am grateful for. It’s a wonderful practice to get into and it truly helps you see the good even when your life may have hit some speed bumps along the way.
Sometimes we have to stop and realize the good in what we have not what we don’t have, I definitely need to work on that! Great post, PS that coffee looks delish!
XO Chelsea http://www.shesaidhesaidfashion.com
What a great post Daisy! It just reminded me to talk to my kids about that. We all forget what we have and keep on wanting more more. And actually I found over time when I am in my grateful mood???, I am more successful in everything I do. It gives me an extra energy and makes me work harder in my good mood.
Xo
Elmira
http://www.wellputtogetherstylebyelmira.com
Love this!! We all have so much to be grateful for It would be hard to list! Beautiful words as always!
<3 Shannon
Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com
Adorable post babe
Kisses
Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary – Fashion blog
I am grateful for so many things. Too many to list actually. This post was very eye opening. Too often I worry and forget about all the things that are fantastic in my life. Thank you for bringing out the best in me today! (:
http://accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com/
I needed this post, seriously. Thanks love! I would say I am grateful for my family and my ocean!
xo
Michaela
http://michaelajeanblog.com
As always, beautiful words with a beautiful message. Your posts always make me think a little bit more…which I absolutely love. Gratitude is definitely something I need to work on and your description made me even more aware of this as I’ve never really thought about gratitude in relation to envy or empathy, but it makes perfect sense! Thank you for sharing this, Daisy!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
#4 really resonates with me because I used to have so much trouble celebrating others’ victories and I would get envious really easily. But, God has really transformed my heart and I’m working on celebrating others’ joy with a sincere heart! I’m so grateful for the changes He instills in me!
You are knocking this out of the park.
I love that you mentioned how gratitude is active. You’re absolutely right. It’s a way of living. It’s how you react. It also spans much further than “November”/Thanksgiving.
I love this post but gratitude is something that we need to work on everyday!
Fantastic post! My gratitude practice has walked me through some of the most difficult days of my life. It has become natural for me to find the positive and good in whatever situation I am in and it leads me to all of your comments above. However, it’s a constant practice. I like to say there is always something to be grateful for.
Wow beautiful Daisy! What a beautiful post!!!!! Loved it! Every single word of it. You are amazing girl:-) Yes, to practice gratitude is so important. It is super rejuvenating for the soul. It helps me see beauty on everything around me, even in the most challenging situations of my life. I also practice giving thanks in advance for everything my heart desires… I feel it reaffirms my faith and allows things to manifest in divine order. I am so thankful for everything in my life because I believe all is part of my life purpose. And I am thankful for having the opportunity to meet you through your blog. I love your personality and who you are (your style too!). You are a blessing from the skies!!!! xoxo, Jeannette
http://www.msjeannieandhercloset.com
Loved this post Daisy!! I was just thinking yesterday (on a particularly difficult health day) about all of the things that are blessings in my life. It is amazing how gratitude can change your perspective even when it doesn’t change the circumstance. Thanks for sharing this with us! So inspiring!!
🙂 Rebecca
http://www.caravansonnet.com
Lovely thoughts, Daisy! This is something I’ve pondered on much. While I by no means have it figured out, gratitude is one of the lessons that’s been rather drilled into me through chronic illness. One of the lessons I’m thankful for. It was either that or drag myself kicking and screaming through life. 😉
Let’s see, there’s so many things to name for which I’m thankful for. I’m thankful I can appreciate the value of family and friends. I’m thankful for the unique point of view and lessons I have due to my trials. But most of all I’m thankful for the Lord.